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mastering compression
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Equilizyme
IsraTrance Junior Member
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593
Posted : Dec 4, 2011 10:08:22
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I am wondering if people have an overall strategy for using compressors while mastering. I have explored resources on the interwebs and have found many people saying they use multiple compressors, all with different settings, one with fast attack, fast release, one with slow attack fast release, different ratios, run those parallel to a channel with a limiter-like compressor (to provide loud limited like feeling with the no-so-compressed stuff dancing over the top)...
What are your thoughts on this? And in the workshop I have posted a track where I have been experimenting with this idea: http://forum.isratrance.com/condensation/92-177783
Thanks
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http://soundcloud.com/equilizyme
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makus
Overdream
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82
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3087
Posted : Dec 4, 2011 13:25
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My strategy on using compression during mastering is the same while mixing - reduce dynamic range of the sound, to bring our quieter parts and glue together the whole mix. I try to skip compression if the mix is okay, 9 of 10 times I won't be using compressor to make something 'better', if it sounds good already.
However if the mix isn't ok and I feel it will benefit from compression, I use regular compression or multi-band.
Now regular mastering compression is pretty different from mixing compression. I use low ratios (1:1.2 - 1:1.5), low GR and apply side chain to compress only mids and highs. UAD Precision Buss compressor, Alpha Master, API 2500, The Glue are good at it, try them.
Now 9 out of 10 times I use multiband compression for surgical operations only. If there are problems in the mix and there is no way to ask the artist to fix the mix I can try to flat out frequencies and dynamics with Precision Multiband.
However the most important part is to understand that you definitely hear the smallest changes while compressing the whole mix. Compressors can harm dynamics very fast.
www.overdreamstudio.com |
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b0Lt
Started Topics :
7
Posts :
112
Posted : Dec 4, 2011 14:27
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+1 what makus said.
the use of low ratios and multiple compressors is allowing the engineer to sculpt the sound in a musical manner, so it cant be heard. if you are using just one compressor with more than 3-4 db GR, you will hear maybe artifacts and some drastic changes in the dynamic flow. |
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PoM
IsraTrance Full Member
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162
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8087
Posted : Dec 4, 2011 14:58
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+1 makus and great tune man ! will listen to it later on my monitors.
what you aim for and the compressor used have a lot to do with the result.most compressor react and sound differently ,something to keep in mind. you could use different setting from compressor to compressor.. but usualy ratio and gain reduction is low at mastering, just to massage the audio and tam a little the peaks to get more loudness.
some other tools act on the peaks,dynamic too,you have to think about compressors in the context of your chain,why and where in the chain using one |
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makus
Overdream
Started Topics :
82
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3087
Posted : Dec 4, 2011 15:01
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b0lt, true, but even 3 db might be a lot. 1 - 1.5 db is something that regularly i see on my GR meter.
www.overdreamstudio.com |
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makus
Overdream
Started Topics :
82
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3087
Posted : Dec 4, 2011 15:10
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Also Ozone's Multiband Dynamics is something to try out for mastering compression. It features mid-side parallel multi band compressor. Gives you a lot of freedom on mastering stage and can even fix mixing mistakes.
www.overdreamstudio.com |
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PoM
IsraTrance Full Member
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162
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Posted : Dec 4, 2011 15:21
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never used it should try it, the new eq is suposed to be great, same for the new exciter /harmonics part
about the topic ,sidechain filter! it can be a must for electronic music depending the comps used, to not over compress the low and get a better groove. |
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b0Lt
Started Topics :
7
Posts :
112
Posted : Dec 4, 2011 15:24
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hey makus, i think you didnt understand me well hehe  its exactly what i said, instead of using so much compression with one compressor, you use better 2 compressors with smaller GR greez |
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b0Lt
Started Topics :
7
Posts :
112
Posted : Dec 4, 2011 15:29
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hey pom
ofc if you have already a punchy good sounding bass, the lower frequencies do not need threatment. i like to use the elysia alpha for that, she does m/s with a HPF, its a true weapon. |
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PoM
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
162
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8087
Posted : Dec 4, 2011 15:32
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hey BoLt agree,it s good indeed, one coder that joined brainworx team is very very talented. he did the passeq and the new brainworx comp too and the alpha.
the alpha hardware sound even better,it have been a/b here in a french site, plug is close but the hardware is a little more 3d with more depth, it s my dream clean compressor for mastering  |
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makus
Overdream
Started Topics :
82
Posts :
3087
Posted : Dec 4, 2011 15:50
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Quote:
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On 2011-12-04 15:24, b0Lt wrote:
hey makus, i think you didnt understand me well hehe its exactly what i said, instead of using so much compression with one compressor, you use better 2 compressors with smaller GR greez
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I understood you, I just didn't make myself clear. Sure I meant 1-1.5 dB of GR per compressor.
www.overdreamstudio.com |
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makus
Overdream
Started Topics :
82
Posts :
3087
Posted : Dec 4, 2011 15:51
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b0Lt
Started Topics :
7
Posts :
112
Posted : Dec 4, 2011 15:53
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hey makus, your opinion about the vertigo vsc2 ? |
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PoM
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
162
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8087
Posted : Dec 4, 2011 15:59
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about the topic, some compressors design will narrow the stereo image, left and right chanel linking is a very welcome addition depending the comps used,if the comp don t have this option and narrow the stero, you can try to use one on the left and one on the right (same as 100% unlinked)it can open the sound insteed of narrowing it, but check in mono/stereo as it can make phase problem and sound weird ,it can ruin the stereo, 100% unlinked is probably too much ,might depends the comps |
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makus
Overdream
Started Topics :
82
Posts :
3087
Posted : Dec 4, 2011 16:35
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